Best Easy Empanadas de Picadillo Recipe

Crispy turnovers filled with seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables. These protein-packed, family-friendly snacks are freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep or party appetizers.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 220 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #meal prep #party appetizer
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef 1 lb
  • russet potato 1 medium
  • onion 1 small
  • red bell pepper 0.5 cup
  • empanada dough disks 8 pieces
  • hard-boiled egg 2 pieces
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • tomato paste 2 tbsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • smoked paprika 1 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • green olives 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 21 g 38%
Protein 11 g 20%
Fat 9 g 42%
Serving size 110g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Peel and dice the potato into small cubes, then boil in salted water for 5–7 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Add ground beef to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add diced boiled potato, chopped green olives, and chopped hard-boiled egg. Mix to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and let filling cool slightly.

  5. 5

    Lay empanada dough disks flat. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of filling onto each disk. Fold over, press edges to seal, and crimp with a fork.

  6. 6

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with olive oil. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in Best Easy Empanadas de Picadillo Recipe?
The essence of Empanadas de Picadillo lies in its seasoned ground beef filling, which gives the turnover its savory depth and protein. The potato and mix-ins like green olives and hard-boiled egg round out the flavor, but the beef defines its hearty identity.
Q. What is the most important step for achieving crispy empanadas?
Brushing the tops of the assembled empanadas with olive oil and baking them at 400°F ensures a crispy, golden crust. Balance the oven’s heat to avoid under-baking or over-browning, and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
Q. How can I prevent the filling from becoming soggy?
Always boil the potatoes only until just tender, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Let the beef filling cool slightly before assembling to ensure the dough stays crisp. Avoid overfilling to prevent juice leakage during baking.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 220 kcal, 11g protein, and 21g carbohydrates. The protein-to-carb caloric ratio is about 20% protein to 38% carbs, making Empanadas de Picadillo a balanced, protein-packed snack.
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